1. a small wild feline animal, especially the European wildcat or similar species
2. a fierce, aggressive, or unpredictable person
Usage: informal

1. risky, unsound, or undertaken without proper authority
Usage: business

1. to drill for oil or gas in an area not known to be productive
Usage: oil industry
2. to go on strike without union authorization
Usage: labor

Examples

• The Scottish wildcat is an endangered species.
• She fought like a wildcat when cornered.
• The company launched a wildcat drilling operation.
• Investors avoided the wildcat scheme.
• Workers decided to wildcat after contract negotiations failed.
• The wildcat strike lasted three days.
• Rangers spotted a wildcat in the forest preserve.
• His wildcat business ventures often failed.